• Directs immediate closure of inefficient, outdated power plants • Pakistan, Tajikistan forge ties in key sectors ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday the authorities concerned to reduce and accelerate the implementation of the action plan for future power generation projects. Presiding over a meeting to review and discuss future electricity and power plans, he emphasised the need to prioritise low-cost power projects based on local resources. During the meeting, the prime minister was bri­e­fed on the progress of the ongoing hydropower projects across the country. PM Shehbaz said the low-cost power projects pr­­­­o­duce environment-fri­e­ndly and affordable electricity. He directed that the current electricity generation capacity be also shifted to solar energy. Globally, electricity is being produced from environment-friendly, low-cost solar energy, he noted, adding that Pakistan is fortunate in this regard as the country had vast potential for solar energy. The prime minister was also briefed on the progress of phasing out inefficient power plants that consume more fuel but produce less electricity. He ordered the immediate closure of such outdated power plants and said that closing these plants would not only save valuable foreign exchange, but also reduce electricity costs for consumers. The prime minister ins­tructed that immediate action be taken against the officials deliberately obstructing reforms in the power sector. He also dire­cted that reforms in the electricity transmission system be expedited. The power transmission system should be upgraded according to international standards, he added. PM Shehbaz ordered swift implementation of a system based on modern technology for the selection and transmission of low-cost electricity. He iss­ued instructions to compl­e­te all measures for the power sector reform with­­in the specified timeline. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari and Dr Musadik Malik, minister of state Ali Pervaiz Malik and other relevant officials. Pakistan and Tajikistan on Friday agreed to further in sectors such as communication, particularly land-based connectivity, energy, education, and agriculture. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ene­rgy Minister of Tajikistan Daler Jumma who called on the former at the PM House. Regional connectivity projects, including CASA-1000, were also discussed during the meeting. Daler Jumma is visiting Pakistan to participate in the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission. The prime minister exp­ressed satisfaction with the progress made in cooperation between the two countries in various sectors during the Joint Commission. Recalling his visit to Ta­­jikistan and recent meetings with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Riya­­dh and , the prime mi­­nister expressed the ho­­­pe that the Tajik president would soon visit Pakistan. PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the and agreements reached during his visit and emphasised that timely implementation of these agreements would further strengthen bilateral relations. The Tajik minister thanked PM Shehbaz for the warm welcome and hospitality and emphasised the importance of enhancing relations and cooperation between the two countries.